“Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony.” (John 4:1 – 42)

While traveling through Samaria, Jesus encountered a woman getting water at Jacob’s well.  Jews and Smaritans didn’t usually associate with one another, but Jesus surprised her by engaging in a conversation. As they talked, he mentioned that she had had several husbands.  She left her water jar, went back to town, and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.  Could this be the Christ?”

The people in the town came out to listen to Jesus, and “many of the Samaritans believed in him because of the women’s testimony.”

This story is a great example of the importance of our personal testimonies in bringing people to Christ. 

This past Sunday, I was participating at our church in a video series entitled The Resuce Project conducted by Father John Ricardo, Ch 7 – Words are not enough – The Experience – ACTS XXIX. His talk and reflection were on the Holy Spirit.  Toward the end of his talk, he asked people to imagine that they were having a personal conversation with Jesus.  He said let the Holy Spirit convince you that the Father loves you for who you are.  He said the Holy Spirit is in you like heat is in hot water. Let him convince you that Jesus came to rescue you and love you.   

In a discussion that followed, I was prompted to share that I had responded to a similar suggestion by a priest several years earlier that resulted in my having a personal encounter with Jesus.  This encounter led to a turning point in my life and a complete change in my priorities.   

While I may never know the effect of my testimony, I think the Lord wants us to share our experiences with him as he prompts us to do so.    

Have you shared your experiences of the Lord with others?